"Instead of doing what's best for the kids, we’re doing what's easier or most practical." -

Linda Åkeson McGurk In this conversation, Cynthia and Linda Akeson McGurk explore the differences in parenting styles between the US and Sweden, emphasizing the importance of outdoor play, resilience, and a connection to nature. Linda shares her experiences growing up in Sweden and raising her children in Indiana, contrasting the cultural emphasis on free play and the benefits of outdoor activities. They discuss the impact of technology on childhood, the role of community in supporting outdoor play, and the need for a shift in parenting philosophies to prioritize children's well-being and creativity.

If you want even more from this episode, become a subscriber at Apple Podcasts and join THE PLAYERS CLUB.... Where 'Screen Less Play More' insiders get smart about screens and serious about play!

You can hear 13 bonus minutes from this episode where we discuss how outdoor play is essential for children's mental health and well-being, as well as how exposure to nature fosters a sense of environmental responsiblity in children. Linda addresses how children's anxiety and depression may stem from a lack of free play, and how parents' attitudes towards weather can influence children's willingness to play outside.

Listen at:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/screen-less-play-more/id1808977425

Linda wrote the fantastic book "There's No Such Thing As Bad Weather : A Scandinavian Mom's Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient, and Confident Kids" (from Friluftsliv to Hygge) Get your copy at https://bookshop.org/a/116371/9781501143632

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More Podcast with Cynthia Dvorak!

Discover the benefits of less screen time for children and practical strategies to reduce screen use as a family. Learn how Big Tech targets our kids, and how to stay screenstrong. Learn how to manage kids & screens, how to find a screentime solution, and tips on raising good humans! Whether you have babies, toddlers, elementary kids, tweens, or teens, this show will give you advice on managing tech and life! You will feel good inside once you learn about the benefits of play, and why play is vital to childhood!

Modern parents are constantly asking:

• What is free play and why is it important?

• How much free play time does my child need each day?

• What kinds of toys or materials support open-ended play?

• How can I encourage my child to play independently?

• What is the role of parents during children’s play (when to intervene, when to step back)?

• Are there risks to letting children play freely?

• What if my child “doesn’t know how to play” or seems bored?

• How do you balance structured activities versus free play?

• Does play actually support learning (e.g. academic, social, emotional)?

• What types of play help with language development, creativity, problem solving?

• How much outdoor time is healthy for preschoolers / young children?

• What are the benefits of outdoor play?

• What if the weather is bad (rain, snow, cold) — can children still play outside?

• What safety precautions should I take when kids play outside (insects, plants, hazards)?

• How do I support risky play (climbing, exploring) in a safe way?

• How do I encourage a child who prefers to stay indoors or play with screens to go outside more?

• What do I do about limited access to nature (urban settings, apartment life)?

• When is it “too hot” or “too cold” to let children play outdoors?

Cynthia Dvorak, founder of Screen Less Play More, is inspired by organizations like GrowNow ADHD, The Screentime Solution, Scrolling2Death, Protect Young Eyes, Screen Strong, OK To Delay, and 1000 Hours Outside, as well as amazing books like "Hunt, Gather, Parent" by Michaleen Doucleff and "The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. She puts her writing and journalism skills together with interviews of authors and experts, to help parents navigate the new era of parenting in the digital world!

Join our newsletter on substack for updates and bonus content!

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Website & Blog: https://screenlessplaymore.com/

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

Checkout the new book "Dopamine Kids" https://screenlessplaymore.com/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-the-new-book-dopamine-kids/

What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids? https://screenlessplaymore.com/screen-less-play-more-podcast/

Learn about Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price's new book "The Amazing Generation" at https://screenlessplaymore.com/the-amazing-generation-is-the-anxious-generation-for-kids/

What are the best parenting books about screen time?

https://screenlessplaymore.com/what-are-the-best-parenting-books-about-screen-time/

Where can I find online training safety classes for tweens and teens https://screenlessplaymore.com/online-safety-training-for-tweens-teens/

Gift ideas to keep kids busy without screens https://screenlessplaymore.com/gift-ideas-for-screen-free-toys/

Classic outdoor games for kids https://screenlessplaymore.com/games-for-kids-to-play-outside/

How to start doing Screen Free Sunday! https://screenlessplaymore.com/screen-free-days-are-easier-than-you-think/

Thanks for listening!

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playmore

screen time battles

More questions that this podcast will answer!

• Why is free play important for preschoolers?”

• “How much time should a child spend in unstructured play per day?”

• “What are good open-ended toys for toddlers?”

• “Risks and benefits of risky play outdoors”

• “Outdoor play when it’s cold / rainy / snowing with preschoolers”

• “How to limit screen time and promote play”
• “Does play help with language development?”

• “Signs that my child is overscheduled”

• “Does outdoor play reduce behavioral problems?”